The Economics of Drug Trafficking on Security in West Africa: an Overview of the Gambia

Illicit proceeds from drug trafficking distort the economy to the detriment of legal businesses and markets. The objective of the study provides an in-depth analysis of the economic nature of drug trafficking in The Gambia. The study adopted the exploratory qualitative research design. This approach was used to examine how drug trafficking is an emerging national security threat to The Gambia. The study interviewed various government officials, including the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia's Ministry of Health, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and a former drug trafficker using non-probability and purposive sampling methods. Primary data was collected through in-depth oral interviews, while secondary data was gathered from journal articles, newspapers, reports, national legal documents, and reputable websites. The Gambia and West Africa face a growing national security threat from drug trafficking, exacerbated by factors like poverty, unemployment, instability, corruption, and porous borders, affecting social, economic, environmental, health, and education sectors. The study revealed that both women and children are involved in the illicit drug trade. The study reveals that, aside from the economic benefits, drug trafficking poses not only a rising national security threat but also a global security threat.